The Irish Sport Horse Industry Awards will take place on Saturday 22nd April 2017 at the five star Radisson Blu St. Helens Hotel, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin.Gavin Duffy, Entrepreneur, Hunting Enthusiast and star of RTE’s Dragons Den will be the host on the evening and the Awards ceremony will be live streamed in its entirety by Darragh Equestrian Solutions Media Division in association with Horsin’ Around Productions.

Pledging his support for the Awards initiative Mr. Duffy went on to say:

I think this is great and I really do think this, that the industry needs to do this and that the timing is important and that we recognize the efforts that are made. The Irish Sport Horse Industry Awards are designed to recognize and celebrate the most original and innovative individuals, companies and organisations that continually demonstrate excellence in the sector.

He continued by saying that, “The industry should remind itself of the depth and breadth of the industry in Ireland”

Each category winner will receive a uniquely Irish designed presentation piece by Internationally acclaimed Shane Holland in recognition of their achievements.

Categories have been judged by an Independent panel from within the industry and chaired by Former Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton. She talked about her passion for horses and in particular that Sport Horse sector.In her

In her message she commented, “I really think that this is an important timely event which is going to bring together all of the different strands of the industry, which is so part of the fabric of our society and is such an important part of what we are”The main organiser of the event, Liam Geddes stated, “The Awards recognise excellence on a National and Global scale whether in employment, product or service which continues to ensure recognition that we are in fact a global player in every respect.Our achievements in Industry and world rankings across many disciplines are deserving of celebration and the inaugural Irish

The main organiser of the event, Liam Geddes stated, “The Awards recognise excellence on a National and Global scale whether in employment, product or service which continues to ensure recognition that we are in fact a global player in every respect.Our achievements in Industry and world rankings across many disciplines are deserving of celebration and the inaugural Irish

“Our achievements in Industry and world rankings across many disciplines are deserving of celebration and the inaugural Irish Sport Horse Industry Awards will recognise this on a gala occasion where the industry will come together for an evening of celebration.”“Without a shadow of a doubt the potential of such an initiative taking place would encounter difficulties were it not for the tremendous inputs of our sponsors. Far too often at

“Without a shadow of a doubt the potential of such an initiative taking place would encounter difficulties were it not for the tremendous inputs of our sponsors. Far too often at sporting level they might not get the recognition that they truly deserve. Through this event we hope to address this imbalance.”

The awards to be presented on the night include:

1. Irish Sport Horse – Best International Equine Enterprise Award

In recognition of a large scale Irish equine enterprise that operates in the global marketplace. This award recognises an enterprise that is a significant provider of employment domestically, has excelled in terms of innovation and creativity, and has promoted and represented Ireland and the Irish Sport Horse Industry with distinction worldwide.

2. Irish Sport Horse – Best Domestic, Equine Enterprise Award

This award recognises an Irish equine enterprise operating on the Island of Ireland. The winning enterprise will have demonstrated a commitment to innovation, product development, continuous investment and expansion.

3. Irish Sport Horse – Industry Research and Development Award

This award recognises an Irish organisation or research institute engaging in equestrian research that has best demonstrated excellence and/or made a significant contribution to the Irish Sport Horse.

4. Irish Sport Horse – Innovation Award

In recognition of innovation, creativity and leadership, this distinguished award recognises ingenuity, originality, commitment and dedication, and a meritorious contribution towards positive changes in the Irish Sport Horse Industry.

5. Irish Sport Horse – Equestrian Event of the Year

This award celebrates Ireland’s best equestrian event. It is designed to acknowledge a show or event that demonstrated innovation and creativity in promoting and developing the Irish Sport Horse Industry to both the general and equestrian public domestically and internationally.

6. Irish Sport Horse – Breeder of the Year Award

In recognition of a breeder who has consistently bred horses capable of representing Ireland and the Irish Sport Horse in international competition.

7. Irish Sport Horse – Person of the Year Award

In recognition of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Irish Sport Horse Industry in 2016. The award recognises an individual who has represented the Industry with distinction on the international stage.

8. Life Time Achievement Award

9. Irish Sport Horse – Organisation Award.

This award recognises affiliated and unaffiliated groups, associations and societies to reflect the important role played within the industry in exceptional service to members and continued innovation and promotion to encourage participation, loyalty and inclusiveness.

10. Irish Sport Horse – Irish Sport Horse of the Year

In recognition of the achievements of an Irish Sport Horse on the International stage.

11 Irish Sport Horse – Media Award

This award reflects the important role played by the media and will be awarded to the person who has best represented the essence of the industry in print.

12 Irish Sport Horse – Equestrian Retailer of the Year Award

The Equestrian Retailer of the Year Award recognises a retailer who is committed to excellence in terms of product offering, and demonstrates a passion and knowledge of all products equestrian.

13 Irish Sport Horse – Best website/ social media award

In recognition of the most creative and innovative use of social media or a website, with equestrianism and the Irish Sport Industry at the heart of the content.

14. Grand Prix Award

An individual whose achievements best reflect outstanding dedication and commitment.

Horse and Country TV will air a half hour highlights programme in May, produced by Bit Media.

Photo: Laurence Dunne